Kane County Lawyers for Working with a Guardian ad Litem

Committed to Protecting Children in St. Charles, Geneva, and the Entire Fox Valley Area

Child-related legal matters can be among the most difficult in all of family law. The intense personal nature of proceedings regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly child custody), parenting time or visitation, or a relocation of significant distance, can lead to challenges in keeping the child’s best interests as the top priority. The judgment of parents is easily clouded by emotion, prompting the court, in many cases, to appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to assist in the process. The skilled attorneys at Bochte, Kuzniar & Navigato, P.C., understand the importance of cooperating with a Guardian ad Litem to help ensure the best possible outcome.

The Role of the Guardian ad Litem

In Illinois, a Guardian ad Litem is an attorney specifically trained and certified to work as an extension of the court in child-related proceedings. He or she does not serve as the child's attorney or on behalf of either party; rather, the GAL is empowered by the court to gather information and to develop a recommendation, to be made to the court, regarding the outcome that will best serve the child's needs. The GAL is granted authority by the court to review documents, examine previous court transcripts, and to interview you, your child, the other party, and any other relevant witness. Based on the results of the investigation and his or her observations, the GAL will then prepare a recommendation for the court, to be handled as expert witness testimony.

Working With a GAL

While you may disagree with the need for a Guardian ad Litem in your case, once the court has made such an appointment, your cooperation will be ordered. Our attorneys can advise you of your rights during the process and will help you cooperate fully with the GAL’s investigation. By offering full compliance, you can demonstrate to the court your commitment to your child’s best interests. Similarly, if the other parent refuses to cooperate, the proceedings may be significantly delayed, and we can assist you in taking action keep the process moving forward.

Experienced Family Lawyers Serving Batavia and Elgin

Once the GAL has presented his or her recommendation to the court, it is subject to cross-examination by both parties. If you believe that the GAL’s findings or methodology were flawed, we are ready to help you mount a credible challenge in the courtroom. We will work with you to demonstrate to the court that your child’s needs are your top priority and to help you obtain a favorable outcome.

If a Guardian ad Litem has been appointed to your case, or you believe one should be appointed, contact the office of Bochte, Kuzniar & Navigato, P.C.. We offer a free, confidential consultation for you to be able to discuss your situation and get the answers to whatever questions you may have. From our offices in St. Charles, we proudly serve the entire Fox Valley area, and the rest of Kane County, DuPage County, Kendall County, and DeKalb County. Call 630-377-7770 to schedule an appointment today.

Contact Us

We serve clients in the western suburbs of Chicago including St. Charles, Geneva, Elgin, Batavia, Elburn, Barrington Hills, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Carpentersville, Wayne, Sugar Grove, South Elgin, North Aurora, Hinkley, Sandwich, Sycamore, Aurora, Wheaton, Naperville, Kane County, DuPage County, Kendall County, DeKalb County, the Fox Valley area and Chicago, Illinois.